81. Which of the following is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor?
Answer: B
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.
Enalapril is classified as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is used primarily to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by relaxing blood vessels.
A) Tramadol
Tramadol is a pain medication that belongs to the class of opioids and does not function as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat moderate to severe pain, making it unrelated to blood pressure regulation.
B) Enalapril
Enalapril is a well-known ACE inhibitor that works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to decreased blood pressure and reduced strain on the heart. This makes it effective for treating hypertension and heart failure.
C) Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil is a lipid-regulating agent used to lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol levels. It does not interact with the renin-angiotensin system and is not classified as an ACE inhibitor.
D) Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used for pain management. It does not have the mechanism of action associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and is not used for blood pressure control.
Conclusion
Enalapril is definitively the correct answer as it directly serves the function of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which is critical for managing certain cardiovascular conditions. The other options fail to meet this criterion, as they belong to different drug classes and serve distinct therapeutic functions unrelated to ACE inhibition.